Compare Byetta vs. Glucovance

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Lowers your blood sugar. Byetta (Exenatide) helps lower blood sugar for people with diabetes and causes weight loss, but it has to be given by injection and many people have upset stomach.

Lowers blood sugar. Glucovance (Metformin / Glyburide) is a very effective combo medication to lower blood sugar when taking one medication alone isn't enough. It's likely to cause diarrhea for the first few weeks, and you can’t drink much alcohol.

Find lowest prices

Save on your next prescription. Be sure you’re getting the lowest price for your medication, even if you have insurance.

› Try limiting the amount of alcohol you drink while taking this medication.

Food

› Give injections in your belly, thighs, or upper arm within an hour of your two main meals of the day (separate doses by 6 or more hours).

› Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar.

› Works best if you take it 30 minutes before a meal, usually your first big meal of the day.

Kidneys and liver

› If you have severe kidney or liver problems, you should not take Byetta (Exenatide). Talk to your doctor about testing your kidneys before starting Byetta (Exenatide). People taking medications that are damaging to kidneys such as ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs or diuretics in addition to Byetta (Exenatide) may notice nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

› Glucovance (Metformin / Glyburide) can cause lactic acidosis, a rare but life-threatening condition. Symptoms include deep and rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. This is a medical emergency and you should get help right away. Baseline blood work for kidney and liver function are helpful to see if you can use Glucovance (Metformin / Glyburide). It may not be a good choice for people with kidney problems. Glucovance (Metformin / Glyburide) should be stopped 48 hours before and/or after surgery or procedure that'll use contrast dye.

Sex

No specific sex-related info.

No specific sex-related info.

Sleep

No specific sleep-related info.

No specific sleep-related info.

Weight

› Can lower your appetite by making you feel full. Some people also lose weight when taking Byetta (Exenatide).

› Give injections in your belly, thighs, or upper arm within an hour of your two main meals of the day (separate doses by 6 or more hours).

› Change the needle and prime the pen every time you inject.

› It’s not safe to share this medication with other people, even if you change the needle.

› Don’t mix with insulin; give separate injections. Can be given at the same time as insulin, but in different injection areas.

› Eat regular, balanced meals to avoid low blood sugar.

› It's best to check your blood sugar at least once a day using a home blood sugar monitor to make sure your medication is working and is safe. Some people may need to test more often, ask your doctor.

› Can cause upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhea in the first couple of weeks.

› Works best if you take it 30 minutes before a meal, usually your first big meal of the day.